Celebrating Value and Talent: National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) began as a single week in 1945. Today, this month-long observance celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive workplaces nationwide. 

2026 Theme 

The 2026 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” According to the Department of Labor (DOL), this year’s theme carries the spirit of last year’s celebration forward in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Organizations like The Arc believe this theme underscores the need to recognize and celebrate the disability community in the workforce, while also acknowledging that there is still work to be done.

Statistics from the DOL show why initiatives like NDEAM remain necessary: the employment rate for people with disabilities is just 38.8%, compared to 75% for people without disabilities. That gap is exactly what NDEAM was created to close.

Barriers to Employment for People with Disabilities

Working-age individuals without disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be employed as those with disabilities. Several barriers contribute to this gap: 

• Bias against hiring people with disabilities 

• Inadequate workplace accommodations or reluctance to provide them 

• Inaccessible job application and interview processes

Employment Rights People with Disabilities Have 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from employment discrimination at companies with 15 or more employees. 

These protections prohibit discrimination based on disability in: 

• hiring  

• pay and promotions  

• training  

• job duties  

• termination 

• other aspects of employment

People with disabilities also have the right to request reasonable accommodations under the ADA. This might include changes to the hiring process, the work environment, or how job tasks are structured or assigned. 

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there’s no specific language or process required to request a reasonable accommodation — an employee can make the request in person or in writing. Still, requesting and receiving accommodations remains a barrier many people with disabilities face in the workforce. 

Job Accommodations and the Truth About Costs 

Misconceptions and bias continue to create barriers for people with disabilities entering the workforce, particularly when it comes to reasonable accommodations.

One common myth is that job accommodations are expensive. However, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) reports that 61% of accommodations cost employers nothing at all, and those that do come with a cost typically involve a one-time expense averaging just $300. 

Resources for Employees with Disabilities 

JAN offers free resources, including consultation services and guidance, for people with disabilities who are seeking employment or requesting an accommodation. 

The Arc also has a guide for employers seeking to create a more inclusive workplace. 

State vocational rehabilitation agencies also help eligible individuals with disabilities find jobs, prepare for interviews, and advance in their careers. 

Moving Forward, Together 

NDEAM is a reminder that value and talent aren’t limited by disability. Closing the employment gap requires employers to rethink outdated assumptions and create workplaces where employees with disabilities feel supported and empowered to exercise their rights.

At Nyman Turkish, we see every day how much of a difference the right support can make. We are committed to creating an accommodating and supportive workplace for our own team, while also helping individuals whose disabilities have kept them from working pursue the Social Security disability benefits they may be entitled to receive. Whether supporting our employees or guiding our clients through the disability benefits process, we believe people facing disability-related challenges deserve understanding, respect, and meaningful support. 

Fierce Advocacy  

If you or a loved one is unable to work because of a disability, you do not have to navigate the Social Security disability process alone. We are here to help you understand the process and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive. Call us at 877-529-4773 or visit our website for a free case evaluation.